51 Steps To Freedom® Trail
“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation forevermore!”
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Athletes Who Inspire - Stories of Grit, Strength, and Legacy
For over 140 years, athletes have used their talent and determination to open doors and inspire progress. Celebrate those who challenged limits—on and off the field. From neighborhood courts to national arenas, their stories show how the pursuit of excellence can help shape history, build pride, and move a nation forward.
Did You Know?
Jim Thorpe, a citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation, won two Olympic gold medals in 1912—then had them taken away.
Over a century later,
they were finally
restored in 2022,
honoring him as one
of the greatest athletes
in history.
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At the peak of his career, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title for refusing military service on moral grounds. He took his case to the Supreme Court—and won.
Did You Know?
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U St. Corridor, Shaw & LeDroit Park
Steps Include:
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Griffith Stadium, Washington Senators, Redskins, Negro National League
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Downtown & The National Mall
Steps Include:
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Capital One Arena
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Constitution Gardens, Declaration of Independence Memorial
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Freedom Plaza; The Willard Hotel, & The John A. Wilson Bldg., Marion Barry
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Library of Congress
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National Museum of African American History & Culture
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Supreme Court
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U.S. Capitol
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Washington Monument
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White House
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Did You Know?
Martina Navratilova won 59 Grand Slam titles and reigned as world No. 1 for over 330 weeks — but her boldest moves came off the court. In 1993, she spoke at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, becoming a powerful voice for equality in sports and beyond.
Anacostia/Congress Heights
Steps Include:
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Barry Farm/Hillsdale (Freedmen's Village) & The Goodman League, The Hillsdale School, The Birney School, Campbell AME, The John Moss House
Born with spina bifida and adopted from a Russian orphanage, Tatyana McFadden became a 17-time Paralympic medalist—and helped pass federal legislation ensuring students with disabilities access to school sports.
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Did You Know?
Bonus
Augmented Reality Trail in Washington DC
51 Steps To Freedom® is transforming Washington, DC into the largest outdoor museum — in the world. Spanning over eight miles, this one-of-a-kind augmented reality trail explores D.C.'s extraordinary history, culture, and its ongoing journey toward liberty and opportunity for all.
